Today we’d like to introduce you to Autumn Elaine
Hi Autumn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always loved creating. Filling sketchbooks, devouring any animation I found on TV, making handmade birthday cards, and having family members always request paintings for Christmas. But I didn’t take it seriously until college started creeping up on me in high school- when I realized there really wasn’t any other avenue of work I could imagine myself pursuing.
Figuring out my artistic direction was a bit of a journey. For a while I was set on being an animator, until I realized I only wanted to draw- not make those drawings move. Then I found out about illustration, and how you can be a part of the animation industry without doing the animating, sold!
Once I decided to attend SCAD, and the clock was ticking, I slowly found my way to illustration for publication. I have always been an obsessive reader, and being able to tell stories, just like movies- but in a more traditional and tactile way, became my new dream, or the new and improved rendition of the “working in the arts” dream. I transitioned more toward children’s books and the kid-lit world as a whole- leading me to where I am today in my artistic journey. I categorize myself as a children’s book illustrator, with some visual development for animation on the side! The magic of illustration is you really don’t have to put yourself in a box- I am allowed to delve into any industry, thank goodness because I could never choose just one, my love and appreciation for the arts is too vast.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am lucky enough to say I never experienced any push back from family and friends in regards to my pursuit of illustration- I feel like everyone saw my future before I figured it out for myself. I always assumed I would be creative for life. And my circle has lifted me up and supported my journey everyday, I couldn’t be more grateful.
There is always going to be self doubt and the fear of what is next, art school breeds insecurity. I am surrounded by some of the best artists in the world. But I have learned this is a gift, these people push me to put my best foot forward, and are amazing resources- filled with advice and knowledge, along with being best friends. I am learning to trust my abilities and my work ethic, and that will be the thing that will lead me towards the future!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
To break it down, I am an illustrator focusing on children’s books, but I’m also diving into visual development for film, and a sprinkle of graphic design here and there. This year has been very eye opening in regards to what I enjoy creating, and I am very proud of the projects I have been a part of.
I just finished illustrating my first children’s book, a reimagining of The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle by Beatrix Potter. I finished this 10-week speed run for a class, I challenged myself and was able to create 24 fully painted illustrations. I am an artist who enjoys working both digitally with tools like Photoshop and Procreate, and traditionally with watercolor and gouache. For this project I went 100% traditional, all pieces done in ink and watercolor. This really solidified my dream to create projects like this for the rest of my life, it is hard work but so satisfying!
I also have had the pleasure of being a part of three short films, all are still in production/post-production but I was a part of many different aspects including character design, background painting, asset design, and logo design. These films have been addictive to work on- any free time I have is usually spent here.
The difference in process for publication versus entertainment is refreshing and helps my workflow stay interesting. Publication is usually pretty self-directed, and deadlines are more sporadic- I get to make my own schedule and use any mediums I prefer. Whereas Entertainment is filled with hard deadlines for process, and usually artistic direction is chosen for you- the challenge is to match what is provided for you, as you are part of a cohesive project, filled with many different artists. It requires lots of studying and referencing. I really love being a part of both, keeping things fresh!
I am slowly entering the world of Graphic Design as well, it’s my minor at school and is a great tool for illustration.Understanding how text works when paired with images is vital, especially for publication. Along with its practical usage, I have had a lot of fun with packaging design and logo creation!
When comparing myself to other artists, I think what sets me apart is my ability to become a chameleon- yes I have a pretty distinct stylistic voice, but I am able to shift that from client to client, understanding what is needed for a project helps me create the best work I possibly can.
How do you define success?
Success to me is being able to make a living off of my passion. Work is what we spend most of our life doing, and I want to spend my life creating beautiful things that bring people joy, myself included!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.autumn-elaine.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/autumnelainedraws/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-elaine-a368991ba/
- Other: https://autumnelaineillustrations.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile
